Greater sage-grouse viewing tours in Craig

Colorado Parks and Wildlife along with partner Conservation Colorado is providing the public with guided, greater sage-grouse viewing tours in northwest Colorado, from March 28 through April 7.

Anyone interested in experiencing a unique wildlife viewing experience in Colorado is encouraged to sign up for the guided tour.

"If you are a dedicated bird watcher, sage-grouse mating is certainly one for your life-list," said Watchable Wildlife Coordinator Trina Romero, of Colorado Parks and Wildlife. "But even a casual wildlife watcher will be in awe of this beautiful display."

For thousands of years, sage-grouse have returned to their traditional breeding grounds -- called leks -- to perform a dramatic and complex dance as they compete for mates.

Watching male sage-grouse spread their spiked tail feathers and pop their large air sacs is a visual treat for bird watchers. Hundreds from across the world visit Colorado every year to observe the mating display in person.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife provides a viewing trailer for the guided tour so that people can sit inside and not disturb the grouse on the lek.

"It's a responsible way to observe lekking behavior, and I highly recommend it," said Romero. "Ethical wildlife viewing, especially of a sensitive species, should be a priority for all wildlife viewers.